{"id":846929,"date":"2026-01-07T14:25:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T22:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/admin.maketecheasier.com\/?post_type=post-ideas&#038;p=846929"},"modified":"2026-01-07T06:33:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T14:33:36","slug":"repurpose-old-phones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/repurpose-old-phones\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Ways to Repurpose Old Phones"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>We often replace our phones every few years, which leaves quite few old ones lying around. You could recycle, donate, or trade them in for a small amount, or repurpose old phones to extend their lives. You may even get years of use out of these outdated phones.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<nav class=\"content-toc-wrapper relative lazyblock-toc-Z1bKuRa wp-block-lazyblock-toc\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\"><div id=\"content-toc-header\" class=\"content-toc-header flex cursor-pointer items-center justify-between\">\n                <span class=\"text-sm font-semibold\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-caret\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"chevron\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\"><use xlink:href=\"#icon-chevron\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n            <\/div><div class=\"content-toc hidden w-full\"><div class=\"toc\"><ul class=\"toc-content font-semibold\"><li><a href=\"#before-repurposing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">What to Do Before Repurposing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#bedside-clock\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">1. Bedside Clock or Travel Alarm Clock<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#offline-music-player\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">2. Offline Music Player<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#tv-remote\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">3. TV Remote<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#security-camera\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">4. Baby, Pet, or Security Camera<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#webcam\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">5. Webcam<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#offline-ebook-reader\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">6. Offline Ebook Reader<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#dashcam\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">7. Dashcam<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#offline-gps\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">8. Offline GPS<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#document-scanner\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">9. Document Scanner<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#wi-fi-phone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">10. Simple Wi-Fi Phone<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#backup-storage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"toc-link block mb-6\">11. Backup Storage<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/nav>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"before-repurposing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Do Before Repurposing<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It&#8217;s always a good idea to make sure you don&#8217;t have any remaining personal files left on your phone, such as pictures or files. Once everything&#8217;s backed up that you want to keep, perform a <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/backup-wipe-android-device\/\">factory reset on your phone<\/a> (you can find instructions for <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/factory-reset-iphone\/\">iPhone<\/a> here).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Then, uninstall or disable any apps you don&#8217;t need. Since old phones usually don&#8217;t receive system updates, it&#8217;s not feasible to use an old phone with most popular apps, such as social media or newer games, as they might not be compatible with older mobile operating systems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"bedside-clock\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Bedside Clock or Travel Alarm Clock<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Transform your old phone into your new beside clock or use it as a travel alarm clock. There&#8217;s no need to buy another clock when your phone has one built in. Use your phone&#8217;s built-in clock app or download an app that&#8217;s compatible with your current versions of iOS or Android. <strong>Flip Clock<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/flip-clock-digital-widgets\/id1181028777\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iOS<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.wssc.simpleclock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Android<\/a>) works well and offers various clock styles, calendar, timers, alarms, and even background noise to help you sleep.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"765\" height=\"496\" class=\"wp-image-848511\" src=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-clock.jpg\" alt=\"Clock app on a phone screen.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-clock.jpg 765w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-clock-347x225.jpg 347w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-clock-694x450.jpg 694w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-clock-696x451.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image source: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/red-and-white-clock-at-10-10-GG_nbdoCTWM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"offline-music-player\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Offline Music Player<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When your phone doesn&#8217;t receive security updates any longer, it&#8217;s not ideal to leave it connected to the Internet 24\/7. So, just repurpose old phones into offline music players. Load up your phone with music tracks you already own, download a music player app, and enjoy your music anywhere, anytime. No Wi-Fi needed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For Android, it&#8217;s hard to miss <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/musicolet-android-music-player\/\">Musicolet<\/a>. For iOS, try <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/flacbox-hi-res-music-player\/id1097564256\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flacbox<\/a> instead. If you don&#8217;t have any music files, try these <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/free-music-download-apps-android\/\">free music download apps<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tv-remote\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. TV Remote<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Who hasn&#8217;t lost their TV remote at some point? Just pick up your old phone and turn it into your new TV remote. If you have a smart TV or a streaming device, such as Roku or Firestick, try downloading the remote app for that specific manufacturer. For instance, many <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/use-android-phone-remote-android-tv\/\">Android phones<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/lost-apple-tv-remote\/\">iPhones<\/a> already work with Android TVs and Apple TVs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"797\" height=\"553\" class=\"wp-image-848512\" src=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-remote.jpg\" alt=\"TV remote on couch arm.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-remote.jpg 797w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-remote-324x225.jpg 324w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-remote-649x450.jpg 649w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-remote-650x451.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 797px) 100vw, 797px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image source: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-remote-control-in-a-leather-pocket-in-front-of-a-tv-FUJq8zAb0J4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Or, try <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/tv-remote-universal\/id1670649189\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TV Remote<\/a> (for iOS) to control multiple smart TV brands in one app. For Android, try <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.boost.universal.remote\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Universal TV Remote<\/a> that works with both smart TVs and traditional TVs via IR mode.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"security-camera\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Baby, Pet, or Security Camera<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To repurpose old phones as baby, pet, or security cameras, you need two devices. Typically, your old phone works as the camera and your new phone checks in to view the feed. While there are numerous apps available to do this, <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/turn-old-smartphone-into-security-camera\/\">Alfred Home Security Camera<\/a> has been one of the top-rated options for years. It&#8217;s free to use or upgrade to get extra features.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"webcam\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Webcam<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Built-in webcams on laptops aren&#8217;t always the best. Yet, smartphone cameras just keep getting better. Skip buying a new webcam and repurpose your old phone instead. I recommend investing in a small tripod just to ensure your phone stays stable while in use. You can use both <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/use-android-as-webcam\/\">Android<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/how-to-use-iphone-as-webcam\/\">iOS devices<\/a> as webcams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"offline-ebook-reader\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Offline Ebook Reader<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Phone screens are perfect for reading. And, with an offline ebook reader app, your old phone becomes the perfect offline reading companion. <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/website-download-free-ebooks\/\">Fill it full of ebooks<\/a>, download an ebook reader app (<a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/readest-ebook-reader\/\">my favorite is Readest<\/a>), and start reading. Outside of syncing to other devices if you want or downloading an ebook online, you don&#8217;t have to connect to the Internet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"786\" height=\"547\" class=\"wp-image-848513\" src=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-ebook.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding a phone with an ebook loaded.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-ebook.jpg 786w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-ebook-323x225.jpg 323w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-ebook-647x450.jpg 647w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-ebook-648x451.jpg 648w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 786px) 100vw, 786px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image source: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-person-holding-a-smart-phone-with-a-book-on-the-screen-LTgvD_JxOGI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"dashcam\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Dashcam<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Dashcams are lifesavers in proving fault during an accident or ensuring you never miss a once in a lifetime sunrise while driving. But, why spend money on dashcam when you can repurpose old phones as dashcams? You&#8217;ll need a secure mount and a dashcam app. That&#8217;s it. Droid Dashcam works well for both <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/droid-dashcam-video-recorder\/id6736657416\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iOS<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.helge.droiddashcam&amp;hl=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Android<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"offline-gps\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Offline GPS<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/best-offline-gps-apps-for-android\/\">Offline GPS apps<\/a> are essential when you&#8217;re in an area without Internet access. They also work well with old phones. Download the maps you need and use your old phone to navigate. This helps save battery life on your current phone.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"document-scanner\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Document Scanner<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Need digital backups of physical documents or photos? Use your old phone as a document scanner. This works well for private or sensitive files you might not want to upload online. Download a scanning app (<a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/best-document-scanner-apps-ios\/\">iOS<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/document-scanner-apps-android\/\">Android<\/a>), turn off your phone&#8217;s Wi-Fi, and enjoy private scanning. You can easily move the scanned files to your computer or an external storage drive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"wi-fi-phone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Simple Wi-Fi Phone<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Just because you no longer have unlimited text and data doesn&#8217;t mean you can&#8217;t make phone calls. This works great for anyone who may just need to make and receive calls without having all the extra bells and whistles of a new phone. Or, use it as the family phone in your home. Many <a href=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/free-phone-call-apps\/\">calling apps let you make unlimited free calls <\/a>over Wi-Fi. But, make sure you&#8217;re using a secure Wi-Fi network to keep your calls private.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"797\" height=\"473\" class=\"wp-image-848514\" src=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-phone.jpg\" alt=\"Woman talking on iPhone.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-phone.jpg 797w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-phone-379x225.jpg 379w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-phone-758x450.jpg 758w, https:\/\/maketecheasier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ways-to-repurpose-old-phones-phone-760x451.jpg 760w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 797px) 100vw, 797px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image source: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/woman-talking-on-the-phone-L3qUP8MpExc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"backup-storage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Backup Storage<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>USB drives and external hard drives are nice, but they don&#8217;t let you scroll through your files without being connected to another device. Repurpose old phones as backup storage or just for transferring files. Just connect your phone to your computer, copy the files to a folder on the phone, and you&#8217;re done.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Just don&#8217;t use your old phone as your only backup. Old phones can die at any moment, so always have a second backup of any important files.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You paid hundreds for your old phones. Make sure you get every single bit of life out of those phones as possible.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t get rid of your old smartphone. Learn how to repurpose old phones to keep using them for years after you&#8217;ve gotten a new one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15234,"featured_media":848510,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12676],"tags":[2068,8131,5255,1737,199,4111,2505,1620,6860,3620,749,9816,776,7808],"class_list":["post-846929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gadgets","tag-alarm-clock","tag-dashcam","tag-gadgets","tag-gps","tag-music-player","tag-offline-use","tag-recycle","tag-scanner","tag-security-camera","tag-smartphone","tag-smartphones","tag-tv-remote","tag-webcam","tag-wi-fi-calling"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>11 Ways to Repurpose Old Phones - Make Tech Easier<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don&#039;t get rid of your old smartphone. 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